A pioneering project helping Wiltshire’s small businesses cut energy costs and carbon emissions has just earned top honours at the South West Energy Efficiency Awards. The ‘Fit for Net Zero’ initiative, led by Severn Wye in partnership with Wiltshire Council, took home the Small Project of the Year award – recognition for its impact on 47 local SMEs that now have more manageable bills, reduced emissions, and a stronger foundation for a greener future.
Fit for Net Zero delivered tailored energy audits, hands-on support, and grant funding covering up to fifty per cent of installation costs – helping businesses take measurable steps toward a green future.
The project doubled its sustainability target by saving 250 tonnes of carbon emissions and supported 25 businesses with grant applications for energy saving installations. Wiltshire Council increased the grant funding pot from £270k to £305k due to high demand.
A win for economy and environment
Building on its success, Fit for Net Zero has been extended for another year, creating opportunities for a further 50 businesses to go green and save money.
Georgina Saunders, Severn Wye’s energy services manager, explains why the scheme has been so welcomed by Wiltshire’s SMEs:
‘Many small businesses want to go green but don’t know where to start. Common hurdles include a lack of impartial advice, limited awareness of funding options, and uncertainty about next steps. Severn Wye specialists can demystify energy efficiency and provide practical, costed solutions that give business owners a clear path ahead.
‘Unlike traditional audits that focus on a few decision-makers, this project also offers energy efficiency training for all staff, empowering entire teams to understand and manage energy use to ensure the benefits last well beyond the life of the project.’
Cllr Helen Belcher, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said:
‘Helping Wiltshire’s small businesses cut energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint is a win-win for both the economy and the environment. That’s exactly what the Fit for Net Zero programme is designed to do.
‘By supporting investment in energy efficiency, we’re enabling businesses to take control of their energy use, lower their operating expenses and potentially increase profitability – while contributing to a greener future.
‘This funding is a timely and important step forward, especially for those businesses that have been hit hard by rising energy prices in recent years. It also brings us closer to achieving our ambition of making Wiltshire carbon neutral by 2030.’
More SMEs to benefit
SME’s interested in taking part in Fit for Net Zero can apply on Severn Wye’s website Fit for Net Zero – Severn Wye
Severn Wye’s expertise in the county’s business sector continues to grow with another programme running alongside Fit for Net Zero. Commissioned by Wiltshire Council, the Wiltshire Towns Small Business Energy Efficiency programme is bringing energy surveys and access to 100% grant funding to small and micro businesses in 22 towns across the county. Find out more here.
What our clients say
Ogbourne St George Village Hall
‘Superb package, you survey[ed] what can be improved, gave us some figures, we obtained quotes from our preferred contractor, we made a simple application 50% grant offered, work [is now] a day away from being completed all in all within six months of initial contact.’
Hannah Turner Ltd
‘The landlord [applied for the grant] because of the report and follow up. Our building is now much warmer thanks to the roof insulation. I had icicles in my studio before on very cold days, it is much improved.’
Rhythm Instinct Ltd
‘We were interested in LED lighting, secondary/double glazing and insulation but we were unsure of how to finance the measures. The support for insulation was complex as it was tricky working out the increases in efficiency. Receiving support with the grant application made the biggest difference. The working environment is much better since improvements have been made and the running costs are lower.’
Donhead St Mary Village Hall
‘The service has been excellent and fitted exactly with what we needed as a small charity. The credibility of the programme and having a professional report with recommendations, together with the grant funding, was invaluable in getting buy-in from fellow trustees. We would never have been able to implement the measures without the Fit for Net Zero programme. We were supported throughout the entire journey.’
